A statement from the Met said: “It has taken a considerable amount of time and police resources to conduct the investigation.

Milly Dowler was killed by Bellfield in March 2002 (Image: PA)

“All lines of enquiry have now been exhausted and the decision has been taken to close this investigation as there is no evidence to link the individual [Bellfield] to any case for which he has not already been convicted.”

The Met said it has remained in close contact with a number of families throughout the course of its enquiries.